This is the legend of Momotaro, an unlikely hero born from a giant peach. Follow his adventure in this classic Japanese folktale as he faces fierce ogres and discovers the power of courage and kindness. Then, create your own paper puppets and act out the story yourself!

Long ago in Japan, an old, childless woman was washing her clothes by the river near her house, as she usually did.

On this day, out of the corner of her eye, she spotted a giant peach floating down the river toward her. She reached out and grabbed it, excited at the thought of eating it that night.

Later that evening, her husband returned home after a long day of cutting firewood and saw the giant peach resting on the table. Famished, he asked his wife if they could eat the peach. The old woman reached for a knife.

Just then, a voice from inside the peach yelled, “Please don’t cut me!”

The old couple exchanged cautious glances, and the old woman put down the knife. The giant peach trembled and quaked. They watched as it split into two, and a little boy emerged from the peach, grinning.

“He must be a gift from heaven!” the old woman exclaimed. “We should raise him as our child.” The old man agreed, and they named him Momotaro, meaning "Peach Boy" in Japanese.

Momotaro was an active, kind‑hearted boy who loved adventure. As he grew up, the old couple told him stories of magical creatures and evil spirits that dwelt across Japan. In particular, Momotaro worried when he heard that more and more ogres were appearing on distant islands, and that they would steal people’s treasures. Even his own parents feared for their own safety.

On the morning of his 15th birthday, Momotaro made a decision. He told the couple, “I want to find the ogres and chase them away. I never want you to live in fear of these dreadful monsters!”

The old couple were scared for his safety and were sad to see him go, but they understood that Momotaro had become a strong and brave young man. The old man handed him his sword and armour for protection, and the old woman carefully prepared a bag of dumplings for his long journey. Teary-eyed, the couple bid him farewell.

On his journey through the forest, Momotaro first encountered a pheasant perched on a branch. “Hello, Pheasant! I am going on an adventure to fight the ogres. Will you join me?” he asked.

The pheasant flew down. She said, “You have never hunted me for food, and I am grateful. I will gladly join you!” Momotaro handed her a dumpling, and she took it in her beak.

Later that afternoon, they passed a dog that was hiding behind a bush. The dog, curious about where they were headed, approached cautiously. Momotaro offered him a dumpling and said, “We’re going on an adventure to fight the ogres. Will you join us?” The dog wagged his tail and trotted along happily. And so, the pair became three!

As evening came and they neared the island where the ogres resided, they spotted a monkey lounging in a tree near the island gates.

“Hello, Monkey,” Momotaro said, “We are going to fight the ogres. Will you join us?”

The monkey looked at the small band of misfits and laughed. “Well, I think you'll definitely need some help! I will help you,” he said. Momotaro smiled and handed the monkey a dumpling. The group then pondered the best way to get past the gates and sneak into the compound where the ogres were.

The smart pheasant paused, deep in thought, and said, “Let me attack the guards first and distract them.”

The monkey added, “I’m a good climber! I can climb over the gates to let you in.”

They agreed on a plan. Pausing just outside the gates, they waited for Momotaro’s signal. As soon as he waved, the pheasant swooped in and pecked fiercely at the guards’ heads. Distracted, the guards shouted in pain, and the monkey seized the chance to climb up the gate. 

Momotaro’s heart pounded as the monkey disappeared from his view. In just a few quick seconds, he reached the other side and unlocked the gate. “Come in! Quickly!” he called out to his friends. Momotaro raised his sword and cried out, “Charge!” At once, the others surged through the gate and stormed into the compound.

The ambush shocked the ogres, who were not expecting a battle. Momotaro used his father's sword to defend himself against their brutish attacks. The unlikely quartet fought bravely together. 

Before long, they overpowered the ogres and defeated them. The ogres promised never to steal again and surrendered all their treasure to Momotaro and his companions. The group divided the treasure and began their journey home.

Upon returning, Momotaro handed the treasure to the old couple. They were overjoyed to see him safe and sound.

Momotaro and the old couple lived together happily for a long time, never to be bothered by the ogres again.

Bring the story to life!

Did you enjoy the story of Momotaro and his band of animal friends? Now it’s your turn! Try your hand at traditional Japanese puppetry and reimagine the tale of Momotaro with a special cut-out puppet craft, which you can download below!

Discover more Japanese folklore in Little Bozu & Kon Kon, an enchanting live puppetry performance about friendship, difference and acceptance. Catch it and more at March On 2026, Esplanade’s annual festival for young audiences!